Why a Music Tax Is a Bad Idea

An anonymous reader writes with a followup to the story posted last week about Warner Music's plan for a music tax for universities. "There's been some debate about this plan and Techdirt has a detailed explanation of why a music tax is a bad idea, noting that it effectively rewards those who failed in the marketplace, punishes those who innovated and sets up a huge, inefficient and unnecessary bureaucracy. Meanwhile, plenty of musicians who are experimenting with new business models are finding that they can make more money and appeal to more fans. So, why stymie that process with a new bureaucracy that simply funds the big record labels?"

While we're at it...

[Jonah Bomber]

Let's tax birds singing too.

Call it what it is...

[jemenake]

It's not a "Music Tax", it's a "Record Company Bailout"

It's a great idea

[digitalhermit]

I personally think it's an awesome idea. Let me tell you why.

A few years ago I wrote a great book. It would have sold a billion copies, but alas, no one else thought it was worth reading. If we can set a precedent with this music business, then we can do the same for books. As an author and a published (because I self-published 20 volumes) I should be entitled to a cut of the proceeds when we start taxing universities for students that copy ebooks. It's the logical next step.

I'm also an amazing artist, the Michael Phelps of the art world. Alas, no one has bought my work "Ruled 8x11 Sheet of Paper" and instead, millions of so-called printers are infringing my copyrights.

SO yeah, this is a good idea.

Re:why?

[Daimanta]

"Profit???"

I think you mean

step n-1) ?????
step n) Profit

Re:why?

[SatanicPuppy]

No. They're too big to fail, so they clearly need a bailout.

Re:While we're at it...

[jskora]

Dear Sir,

Those alarm tones are copyrighted and these birds are in violation of royalty agreements. Due to their lack of financial mean, redress will be targeted at the neighborhood associations that let this blatant abuse of intellectual property rights occur unabated.

We will be in touch shortly!

Sincerely,

CAIAA - Car Alarm Industry Artists Associations

Oh jeez.

[Fantastic Lad]

Normally I look beyond the surface to see what is being discussed, but half way through I realized, "Music Tax"?? --And realized that after all the smoke and mirrors, switchbacks and rationalizations are summed up, the convoluted system whereby music has been harnessed by the wheels of industry, "Music Tax" describes it exactly.

Pay tax to listen to music. I'm certain given enough time and marketing, logical arguments could be made to stick for implementing a Sunshine Tax, and a Happiness Tax.

And it's why the Empire is falling.

-FL

Re:why?

[AaronBenage]

Why would a Wookiee, an eight-foot tall Wookiee, want to live on Endor, with a bunch of two-foot tall Ewoks? That does not make sense! But more important, you have to ask yourself: What does this have to do with this case? Nothing. Ladies and gentlemen, it has nothing to do with this case! It does not make sense! Look at me. I'm a lawyer defending a major record company, and I'm talkin' about Chewbacca! Does that make sense? Ladies and gentlemen, I am not making any sense! None of this makes sense! And so you have to remember, when you're in that jury room deliberatin' and conjugatin' the Emancipation Proclamation, does it make sense? No! Ladies and gentlemen of this supposed jury, it does not make sense! If Chewbacca lives on Endor, you must acquit! The defense rests.

Re:It's a great idea

[dwandy]

but since this is a download-tax, it would clearly be based on the number of downloads.
What I can guarantee you is that my works will get downloaded ... a lot. Even if I have to write the script to do that myself.